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New York Mets, Atlanta Braves Split Doubleheader, Knock Out NL Champs
The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets enjoyed a rare double champagne celebration after their doubleheader.
Both teams qualified for the playoffs by winning a game. The Arizona Diamondbacks, who won the National League title last year, watched helplessly from home and were eliminated.
YOUâRE THE REAL MVP
Francisco Lindor powered the Mets to a wild 8-7 victory in the opener.
Lindor and the Mets started the season slowly before firing up after one of the most successful âplayers-only meetingsâ in baseball history.
Atlanta built a 3-0 lead after seven innings on home runs by Ozzie Albies and Ramon Laureano.
The Mets exploded for six runs in the eighth, punctuated by a two-run homer by Brandon Nimmo.
But New York’s bullpen also fell apart in the eighth. Albies hit a bases-clearing double to put the Braves back up 7-6.
Lindor was destined to be the hero, hitting a two-run homer in the ninth to give the Mets the winning margin.
The Dodgersâ Shohei Ohtani will be tough to beat in the MVP race, considering that he is the only player ever to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases.
However, he is a designated hitter. Some fans are pushing for Lindor, who has been the leader of the Mets at the plate while playing shortstop.
THATâS ENOUGH OFFENSE
Game 2 was much different, as the Braves prevailed 3-0. Atlanta starter Chris Sale (18-3) was scratched from the elimination game with back spasms.
Atlantaâs bullpen saved the season by combining for a three-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts. Marcell Ozuna got the Bravesâ biggest hit with a two-run double in the seventh.
So the Mets and Braves have hit the road to start the playoffs tonight on ESPN. New York will face Milwaukee at 5:30, while Atlanta will take on San Diego at 8:30.
The American League playoffs will start with Detroit at Houston at 2:30 on ABC. Kansas City will take on Baltimore at 4:00 on ESPN 2.
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